With 78 wedding guests arriving from all over the world, British bride Jo and her Italian-Canadian groom Joe welcomed their nearest and dearest to picture perfect Florence
Image gallery
Image gallery
How did you meet?
We met thanks to Joe’s eldest daughter, Marina, who introduced us when we were out one evening socialising with friends at a bar called Le Jardin in Hong Kong.
Tell us about the proposal.
On my birthday, Joe took me to my favourite 3 Michelin Star restaurant in Hong Kong called Otto E Mezzo. He was eager to get me home before the clock struck midnight, as he had set up the sound system to go off at that time for the proposal. As I had no idea this was coming, I was reluctant to go home as I was having such a great time. I kept whining: "But it’s my birthday". Finally, however, he convinced me by saying: "Let’s go home and open up a bottle of champagne to see your birthday in", so I agreed.
As soon as we walked in the door, he proceeded to open a bottle of bubbles and put the music on. He deduced that he had 45 seconds to get down on one knee and get his speech out before the chorus came on in the music, which was Train’s Marry Me. I just sat there, mouth wide open in silence. He said: "Oh, I didn’t plan for this... answer me!" To which I replied: "Absolutely!”.
What was the theme for the day?
We chose a cosy, rustic Tuscan style theme.
What venue did you choose and why did you choose it?
We held our wedding ceremony at St James' Church in Florence, and our dreamy Tuscan wedding reception was held at Villa Le Fontanelle.
What dress did you choose?
My dress was by Monique Lhuillier.
Where did you find your suits?
Joe's suit was by Ralph Lauren.
Did you hire a wedding planner?
Yes, our wedding planners were Blanc Ricevimenti and Valentina Moneglia.
What was your most memorable moment?
When we were cutting the cake and Dean Martin’s That’s Amore was playing in the background. Everyone was singing and waving their sparklers; it was a spectacular moment.
What was the most challenging aspect of planning this wedding?
Planning a destination wedding and trying to organise all the guests, who travelled from all over the world.
What was the most important investment for you?
The photography
Did you have any evening entertainment?
Our musical entertainment was provided by Alma Project and included a live performance by Cara Cortese.
Steal their style:
Venue: Villa Le Fontanelle in Florence, Italy
Photography: Liam Collard Photography
Planning: Blanc Ricevimenti and Valentina Moneglia
Hair & make-up: Laura Vasile, Florence
Engagement ring and wedding ring: Foo Hang Jewellery, Hong Kong
Groom's wedding ring: Ken & Dana Design, New York
Bridesmaids' dresses: BHLDN
Catering: Galateo
Entertainment: Alma Project
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